To notify the Chairman of any items that appear later in the agenda in which you may have an interest.

The following Member declared an interest in Item 5 - Local Improvement Programme - Update on Project Activity :-

The Minutes of the meeting held on 2^nd July 2008 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. (For copy see file of Minutes).

A representative of Sedgefield Police will attend the meeting to give a report on crime statistics, initiatives and neighbourhood priorities.

PC K. Todd was present at the meeting to give details of crime statistics in the area.

It was reported that the crime statistics were as follows :-

Members were informed that in Sedgefield, three former students had been arrested for stealing laptop computers from Sedgefield Community College.  One person had been arrested for garage burglaries at Winterton Park and two were arrested in relation to an assault at the Golden Lion.  30 incidents of anti-social behaviour had been reported.

With regard to crime in Fishburn, 2 arrests had been made in relation to theft and damage to the community centre.  Both had been charged and given curfews.  There would be an increase in traffic patrols as a result of an increase in speeding/ driving complaints in the Butterwick Road area.  36 incidents of anti-social behaviour were reported.

It was reported that there had been 38 incidents of anti-social behaviour reported in Trimdon Village.  One person had been arrested for passing forged £20 notes and an article had been placed in The Northern Echo advising local retailers to be cautious.

A successful drugs warrant had been executed in Trimdon Grange which resulted in controlled drugs being seized and one person being arrested.

Members were informed that in relation to the local neighbourhood priorities, no further problems had been reported from Wykes Close and St. Edmunds Churchyard in Sedgefield, the park and Co-op in Fishburn and Trimdon Colliery Community Centre as a result of police action.  Three further calls had been received concerning anti-social behaviour at the Co-op and library in Trimdon Village.  However, the incidents were minor.

Concern was expressed regarding anti-social behaviour at the playing field and Salters Lane in Fishburn including drinking alcohol and rowdy behaviour.  There was also an incident involving damage to a property in Hart View, Trimdon Village.

Report of Assistant Chief Executive.

         NB:  In accordance with Section 81 of the Local Government Act 2000 and the Members Code of Conduct Councillor Mrs. L. Hovvels declared a personal/prejudicial interest in respect of Trimdon Colliery Community Centre application and addressed the Forum in her capacity as Community Advocate but did not vote on the application.

Consideration was given to a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (for copy see file of Minutes) updating Members on project activity as part of Sedgefield Borough Council’s Local Improvement Programme.

Members were informed that the cut-off date for new LIP applications was 31^st July, 2008.  Area 3 Forum had been allocated £532,000 of LIP capital resources between 2006 and 2009.  Applications totalling £312,681 had been approved to date with £219,319 remaining.  With the following six applications received, Area 3 was over-subscribed by £116,501:

·      Trimdon Grange Play Area                    ….       £70,000

·      Ceddesfeld Hall Redevelopment          ….       £103,000

·      Sedgefield Squash Club                        ….          £33,000

·      Sedgefield Cricket Club                         ….          £29,820

·      Trimdon Community Centre                   ….       £100,000     

·      Fishburn Recreation Project                  ….       Unknown amount

The Trimdon Grange Play Area and Ceddesfeld Hall Re-development Applications had previously been considered and supported at Area 2 Forum meetings.

It was reported that the Sedgefield Squash Club application was £33,000 (99% of the total project cost) the aim of the project was to replace the wall and floors on both courts and the refurbishment of showers and changing rooms.  Members were informed that participation in squash was increasing in Sedgefield with coaching delivered to 700 school children last year.  A further 600 children would be coached over the next two years.  Use of the facilities had also increased with the introduction of Racquet Ball for older people and coaching for ladies, which had started last year.  The Club had received recognition through being named County Squash Association Club of the Year.

The Sedgefield Cricket Club application was for £29,820 (75% of the total project cost). The aim of the application was to create a new change/shower facility for use by members of the Cricket Club, local Rugby club and Bowls Club   Members were informed that it was a successful Club with 3 senior and 4 junior teams training all year round and that facilities were desperately needed to improve standards and meet the basic needs of female and disabled users.  

With regard to the Trimdon Colliery Community Centre application, Members were informed that the application was for £100,000 (10% of the total project cost).  The aim was to demolish the aged temporary community building and build a new community centre.  The new centre would provide a multi use sports and leisure hall/function hall, training rooms, social enterprise rooms, counselling/advice rooms, a culture and heritage room, a café and childcare facilities.  The new building would be a design in character with the village.  It was also stated that the centre had been identified as a priority by residents and may help to resolve anti-social behaviour issues in the area.

It was reported that the Fishburn Recreation Project application was for an unknown amount as funding was being sought from a variety of sources.  However, the total project cost was £2,083,328.  The project aim was to bring together, and provide first class facilities for, Fishburn Boys’ Football Club, South Durham Boxing Club, and Fishburn Bowls Club.  A new pavilion would provide training, changing and social facilities, a Multi Use Games Area, new play area and three extra football pitches.  Members were informed that this was the third attempt at acquiring funding for improvements.  It was suggested that a site visit could be conducted later in the process and the need for the facilities was stressed.

A query was raised regarding LIP timescales.  It was reported that the schedule was tight and match funding needed to be in place by January.   If this was not done, money would be allocated to other projects as it was a condition of the grants.  A report would go to Management Team and then to Cabinet on 23^rd October.  All projects would be considered together rather than on a first come first served basis, as agreed with the Council’s Chief Executive and Leader.  Frustration was expressed over these timescales making it difficult to move projects, which were ready to begin, forward.

Following detailed discussion the Forum agreed to support all of the applications.

Wednesday, 12^th November 2008 at Sedgefield Parish Hall

Wednesday 12^th November, 2008 at Sedgefield Parish Hall.